New Award Established to Honor Nobel Laureate John Hume's Legacy

The Irish government will fund a new annual award honoring Nobel Laureate John Hume's legacy, recognizing Europeans who embody his values and contributions to peace and unity.

Introduction of John Hume Award

A new award named after Nobel Laureate John Hume is set to be established to honour his enduring legacy, announced Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, Martin revealed that the annual award will be funded by the Irish government.

He stated the award will recognise a "European who has contributed to the values which John advocated for and to the further development of our union."

John Hume's Political Impact and Achievements

John Hume was a prominent Northern Irish politician who played a pivotal role in the peace negotiations leading to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

He received the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with David Trimble, then leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

Hume is uniquely distinguished as the only individual to have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Martin Luther King Jr Non-Violent Prize, and the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize.

The former Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader, Member of Parliament (MP), and Member of the European Parliament (MEP), passed away in Londonderry in 2020 at the age of 83.

Hume, with his wife Pat, after his election to the European Parliament in 1979

John and Pat Hume are pictured together. He is on the right, wearing a suit and large rosette. Pat, on the left is smiling. His arm is on her shoulder. — Image caption, Hume, with his wife Pat, after his election to the European Parliament in 1979

Martin's Remarks on Hume's European Inspiration

Addressing the European Parliament, to which Hume was first elected in 1979, Martin highlighted the Derry politician's inspiration drawn from the European Union.

"He came here as an MEP to work with others to define and build a new future for his community, our island, and the people of Europe,"

Martin further remarked:

"John had a vision to see the narrative of Ireland's path to peace and prosperity in the wider narrative of Europe. As he saw it, the road to lasting progress is built in shedding our sweat together rather than our blood.

It is a vision that is as relevant today as when he graced this parliamentary chamber."

Hume's Retirement and Family Reflections

John Hume stepped down as leader of the SDLP in 2001 and retired from politics in 2004.

John Hume stands among a crowd of people. He is wearing glasses and has short dark hair. He is wearing a suit, shirt and tie — Image caption, John Hume stood down as leader of the SDLP in 2001, and retired from politics in 2004

His son, John Jr., who chairs the John and Pat Hume Foundation, expressed that it was appropriate for Martin to announce the award in Strasbourg.

"We are grateful that the Taoiseach announced this prize at the start of the Irish Presidency of the Council and in the European Parliament in Strasbourg."

"The European Parliament was his spiritual home, and the European Union inspired him in the journey of peace and reconciliation in Ireland."

Tributes and Recognition

Colum Eastwood, Foyle SDLP MP, described the award as "a fitting tribute to the legacy of John Hume and ensure that his vision continues to inspire future generations."

In 2010, Hume was voted 'Ireland's Greatest' in a poll conducted by Irish broadcaster RTÉ.